Tarot & Inspiration

When you open the box of this deck and book set, you will find yourself instantly being greeted by a deck of forty-three incredibly magical beings. You can almost feel the elemental strength and protection surround you as you flip through the cards. You will find the beauty of the Faerie Realm combined with the strength of the Dragon. The artwork for The Oracle of the Dragonfae deck is that of seven different artists. There is a small bio about each one of the artists in the back of the Guidebook. The artistsâ use of color in the artwork is brilliant, bold, and well thought out, creating very powerful imagery.
Upon further exploration you will find that these elementals are much more than they appear. They have been designed to help us heal ourselves, others and save our planet. They encourage you to see the magic in the world around you, every day! Even though this deck is very beautiful, this is not a fluffy faerie deck. Be prepared to do some soul searching when using this oracle.

âTerri Clement, American Tarot Association

This is an absolutely gorgeous set of oracle cards visually. As with all Blue Angel Gallery products, I adore their bigger included book size, and the quality of their cards. Each of the artists used in this tarot deck are so gifted - I loved loved LOVED each of their representations, and the different energies it brings to this deck.

Aside from the beautiful visual aspects though, I need to say that this is one of the most powerful, accurate oracle cards I've been blessed to experience. Every reading I have done with it has been amazingly accurate, and the wisdom in these cards is powerful and deep.

I also need to say that from the covering box, I at first didn't pick up these cards because it has such a dark cover. (Editorâs note: The box image has been changed.) I'm so glad I did though - inside it is shining with light, and the friendship of the Dragonfaes. My highest ho! to Lucy for creating these oracle deck of miracles... you are such a blessing!

âGoddess of Leonie, Amazon customer

This is a magical deck, inspirational, and highly recommended for all who dare to enter its realm. The Dragonfae are powerful beings, if you were guided to get them, do so you will not be disappointed, the magic is immense within this deck, A++++

âArchangels, Amazon customer

This is what you will get with this oracle. The beautiful creatures plus ease of reading add up to a highly respectable oracle deck. The creatures in this deck intrigued me and kept me so. The look and feel of the cards are nothing less than supreme. They are a tad larger than norm, but I tend to like larger cards - especially as I get older.

The book is easy to read and provides a step-by-step approach for the less experienced reader and many "tips" for the master reader. This oracle works well for anyone who wants to let these magical creatures lead the way in the present, into the future or advise how to learn/cherish the past. If you like fantasy art, you will not regret giving these cards an opportunity to speak to you.

âS. Ruff Blueslover13, Amazon customer

These cards are truly unique compared to some of the other oracle sets I've collected. It's not the usual rehashed mythology, but a new and refreshing take on both dragons and faeries. The colors are bright, with large, easy to read captions. Artwork is mystical and beautifully drawn.

Discover the magical legends and lore of the mermaids and tap into the beautiful currents of ocean divination. The cards feature absolutely vibrant colors, every color of the rainbow, with overtones of blues and violets to represent the ocean water. The play on light featured in these cards is gorgeous. The images have a serene and sometimes mischievous quality to them. For those who love mermaids, this deck will deliver.

—Donnaleigh de la Rose, Divine Whispers radio show

Being a huge Lucy Cavendish fan, I love all her decks because of their accuracy, not to mention the deep insight, and profound styling Lucy has in combination with her artists. The Oracle of the Mermaids tends to touch elements in your life you might tend to dismiss as fantasy or frivolous, elements of yourself you've put away on a shelf because you don't want to be disillusioned, disappointed, and vulnerable in the process. However, whenever we lose that connection with our own personal dreams we lose aspects of our true self and personal beauty and genius. So I find this deck to be well suited for love/romance/relationship questions and learning how to create the magical in your real, everyday life and life purpose. The important thing in the take home message of this deck is that it is suppose to be a mirror to your soul. It serves its purpose in that it will reflect to you what you may not be aware of on the surface and I think this deck performs well in this regard.

The guidebook is generous, as always. Lucy goes into the magical history of mermaids and the different classifications of these magnificent sea animals. A lot of the history Lucy borrows from is of Irish lore. In interpreting the cards, Lucy provides us with two pages of information divided into: what the mermaid has to say about him/herself (The Mermaids Sing), reversed meaning for the card, and divination message. So for each card there are three potential meanings to take into consideration. She also provides guidewords on each card. There are three new spreads!! Such as the Cycle of the Moon spread (5 card spread), True Love that Makes My Soul Sing Spread (5 card spread), and Mermaid Celtic Cross (11 card spread).

—Danielle, Amazon customer

The images on these gorgeous cards will catch your eye straight away. SelinaFenech's artwork is just breathtaking, and captures the essence of the Mermaids perfectly. After you have shuffled and picked your card/s you turn to the most beautiful words of wisdom by Lucy Cavendish, whose wisdom and knowledge in all realms, never ceases to amaze me. Lucy manages to get right to the heart of the matter every time! These cards are stunningly beautiful, inspirational, insightful and wise, even if you didn't love mermaids, you would love these oracle cards. You can definitely feel the passion and the love that these ladies have for the Mermaids, the Ocean and her Creatures. This deck is extremely well done—I absolutely love it.

Award-winning artist, CiroMarchetti takes us to a new stage, yet again, with another dazzling and distinctive deck/book set. The Oracle of Visions is a 52-card, eye-catching oracle deck geared toward the intuitive reader.

Those who have watched the progression of Ciro’s work with his previous decks, but have longed to completely break free from the Tarot will not be disappointed. The Oracle of Visions, which is filled with rich and deep artwork, will take your readings to a new standard. The deck will take you to a level that is beyond a system. Are you ready to leave the safety net behind?

While many oracle decks will follow a reoccurring theme (Angels, flowers, dragons, etc.) throughout the deck, The Oracle of Visions takes you through 52 stand-alone pieces of art, that not only are unique and visually stunning, but each image brings its own dialogue to the table. With this deck you will not find a common theme, so to speak, but instead you will find a vast potpourri of jesters, figures wearing masks, Victorian imagery, nature, mechanical devices and more. (Yes, I even spotted a couple of Fae).

The Oracle of Visions is a beautiful body of work and would be a treasure for any fan of Ciro Marchetti. A beginner could easily pick up this deck and find it enlightening. The professional reader would find this deck a big draw with clientele and would be the perfect addition for collectors.

—Terri Clement, Tarot Reflections

Successful creator of the Gilded Reverie Lenormand, CiroMarchetti indulged his personal visual passions in order to create this energetic and highly imaginative deck.

Having explored traditional tarot imagery to the saturation point, he was looking for a new challenge. He decided to throw out preexisting formats and create an open-ended oracle deck that would allow individual mindsets to have as much to do with users’ interpretation as with his intention. The resulting 52-card deck comes alive with fantasy, theatricality, and a hint of Steampunk.

The 140-page companion book provides Marchetti’s perspective on his images and an account of his personal journey through the deck. He encourages readers to take his creations into their own hands and glean from the deck what is best for them.

My favorite cards? I am soothed by the beauty of Card 48 (Choice), drawn into the intensity of Card 8 (Dedication), stopped cold by the melancholy of Card 15 (Closure), and laughed out loud at the staunch silliness of Card 2 (Assimilation). This is a deck you will enjoy!

—Anna Jedrziewski, Tarotwise.com

From talented artist CiroMarchetti, we have another lovely deck that functions as a fascinating oracle of learning. The journey of learning is highlighted through 52 cards which point a mirror at both our strengths and weaknesses. I see some of the following categories of life lessons throughout these cards: self-awareness, relationships, wise decision making, desires, compulsions, creativity and nurturing. Doubtless there are more themes that could be listed, and short of providing the titles and interpretations found in the book, there are sufficient images and meanings to cast our questions before the oracle.

I see, in my mind, artwork that I might call fantasy, and which the artist labels retrotech. Regardless of designations, the images are immediately absorbing, taking us into another world while simultaneously connecting us to self-reflective emotions. In other words, every card is a tableau which triggers our levels of consciousness and engages our projective identification. For example, in Card 33, (titled “Patience; Waiting for the Right Moment”), my eye can wander to each element in turn—in this situation, for the particular issue or question—and ask…am I the waiting person, or am I the kingfisher, or am I the fish below, or do I rather relate to the background flowering tree? The amazing art in each scene, each card, presents to us almost as a dream, challenging us to interpret in part, or with a spread of our choice.

The author addresses interpretations and card combinations, although no particular spreads are suggested, in this very complete but modestly sized 140 page book--thus stepping back from overseeing our understanding of the Oracle of Visions. I played with single card draws for varying issues, and I also did a few three card past/present/future layouts, and the cards chosen held significance for my concerns. The cards are the same two dimensions as found in the book, with rounded corners and an ornately designed card back with a smiling and dark-eyed mask in the center. Cards and book are at home in a sturdy box.

I recommend the Oracle of Visions for a well-designed alternative to the standard tarot, with rich images and abundant visual metaphors wandering through this enjoyable set of cards.

I have never experienced a more honest deck of cards used for divination. I think that it takes a particular type of personality to work with these. You must be prepared to be told what you need to hear and not just what you want to hear when dealing with the Osho Zen. But if you are prepared to do some serious soul searching, these cards are an ideal tool to use toward that goal. Whether a reading for someone else or yourself, I highly recommend this deck for anyone who is looking for something a little different from a traditional deck.

-- Alphawolf, Aeclectic Tarot

The Osho-Zen tarot card deck is a wonderful and highly evocative spiritual tool. These cards have a way of stirring the intuition upon first glance and promptly extracting the truth from any situation in question. My suggestion? Keep an open mind and practice regular use of these cards. I have found them to be a wonderful guide on my Spiritual Journey.

The ultra-colorful illustrations tend to evoke strong images and bring immediate clarity and accuracy to my readings. This is especially important since I must maintain a high level of excellence in my professional psychic tarot card business!

There is a very special genius at work here: unlike most decks I've run across over the years, Osho-Zen has a silly, yet intelligent sense of humor in its illustration of so-called negative cards like "exhaustion" and "schizophrenia". I think part of the objective behind the humor is to help us poke fun at ourselves, and not take every single thing so seriously! ... to live in the moment.

The Osho-Zen deck comes with a companion book honoring Eastern Philosophy while acting as a reference for each card's interpretation. Osho's visual and written text may indeed be a breath of fresh air for those who need a change from the more Westernized decks, which almost always boast cards like the Devil, Death and Hanged Man.

Even if I weren't looking to this deck as a means of spiritual divination; if I just wanted to do casual non-professional Tarot Readings, I still would have made it a point to get the Osho-Zen deck because of the amazing artistry! The artwork is simply incredible. Each card is a vibrantly colorful feast for the eyes. I have seen many many decks throughout my years as a professional Reader and I still find this deck to be one of the most, if not THE most beautiful I've ever seen!

-- Psychic Tedra

I have collected and read tarot for about 25 years. I have held and studied some of the oldest cards that are in the British Museum. I own over 100 decks. This deck was going to be just part of the collection -- until I read from it. I couldn't believe the insight and how well it fit with today's world and issues. It was like an epiphany. Most of my tarot reading friends have purchased it after seeing me read from it. A friend who had been trying to read the tarot for years, but said she just couldn't get it, can read from this deck. The wonderful colors and imagery of the deck and the poetic language of the book trigger one's intuition into full gear before realizing it. Readers of other decks can quickly use it as it follows the traditional pattern but in an innovative way. New readers can also begin using it quickly as the deck and book are inspirational. I highly recommend this book/deck combination!

This is arguably one of the best and most exciting tarot decks ever published. Created in 1899 by the famous Swiss occultist Oswald Wirth, it is not only a collector's item because of its beauty and artistic quality, but also a fascinating compendium of occultism. Rich in symbolism, esoteric and complete, this is a must for the serious student or collector!

—“Bete Noire”, Amazon customer

These cards are geared toward to disciple who is working toward the goal of know thyself. These cards are one of the only decks available which keep the original symbols and colours maintaining their inner symbolic significance. These cards were created by Oswald Wirth at the dictation of the initiate Stanislas de Guaita. These cards when meditated upon can assist us to acquire self-knowledge on our journey of initiation giving us a better insight into our life to help us to progress on our paths with greater ease and speed. One of the most important decks that certainly influenced many adepts and scholars.

The artwork (done with watercolors) is very much along the lines of whimsy and fantasy. The colors are muted pastels, more towards browns, grays, yellows and greens, with the occasional red and orange. The imagery in the cards is a combination of the traditional imagery seen in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, and the creatures of spirit that wanted to be included in the cards (this from the author). I did find that each time I looked at a card, I saw something new and interesting. My thought with this deck is that what needs to be seen will be seen each time the cards are read.

I found that the imagery in this deck simply pulled me in! Very delicately done, following tradition, with the addition of many whimsical elements. Each card adds to a wonderful fantasy world, replete with faeries, forests, plants and animals, and unique symbols in the background. This is a deck that could be used under any circumstances, even when reading for children. It would be an excellent addition to any Tarot deck collection.

-- Bonnie Cehovet, Certified Tarot Grand Master

Paulina Cassidy has created this delicate and romantic seventy-eight tarot deck with instruction book (LWB). The cards are definitely packed with detail. It is charming, has a Victorian flair, with a hint of New Orleans, Mardi Gras. Many of the characters in her art have a porcelain doll-like quality and are wearing Victorian period clothing.

The deck contains much of the Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism, as that was her earliest tarot influence. Paulina’s chosen modality for this deck is watercolor. The artwork is done in soft, muted shades.

Using this deck gives one the feeling of stepping back into a time of whimsy and magic. It takes you to a place where Dragons and Pegasus fly and many other magical creatures live side by side, comfortably with humans. Paulina mentions in the little white book, that she knows that these creatures exist even though they cannot be seen by the naked eye. You will also note many birds, butterflies, dragonflies, all in magical forest and woodland settings.

This deck would be a nice fit for beginners as well as for the professional reader (especially anyone who may doing readings at a venue with a theme, such as a Mardi Gras party). The deck is also suitable for all ages. It will be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in a Rider-Waite-Smith type deck, but looking for something a little more whimsical.

-- Terri Clement, ATA

The Paulina Tarot is absolutely gorgeous! The cards are an average sized US Games deck, both same in height and width as popular decks like the Fantastical Creatures and Fenestra Tarots. The box is a bit deeper, however, allowing more room for a nicer printed LWB. The cards are neither a high gloss nor a dull matte, but a pleasant "in between" that allows the colours to pop, but not to shine and reflect other lights.

The colour scheme of the deck is what I would refer to as a rich watercolour. Soft in some places and a few tones deeper in others. This is not what one would consider a jewel toned deck, for it has a much earthier appeal to it. This deck nicely reflects the seasons, especially spring and summer. Wildflowers, birds and bees abound, with other creatures both familiar and unfamiliar. Fae-like characters dwell in this enchanted realm and the artist brings us directly into the mysterious hidden world of the garden, field and forest. Drawing on inspirations like New Orlean's Victorian-Era Mardi Gras and the pages of fairytale books, these creatures are donned in whimsical costumes, masques, stars and bells. The artwork is incredibly intricate and detailed and it takes a lot of time to discover the many hidden enchantments on each card. Expect the unexpected!

The entire deck follows the RWS traditional meanings with an exquisite approach, making it highly readable, but the elaborate artwork allows for much development on the intuitive side. The cards have a small white border with the titles written at the bottom, so nothing is lost from the images themselves. Unique, exquisite, charming and thoughtful, the Paulina Tarot is a treat for both readers and collectors, alike!

-- Hearth Cricket, Aeclectic Tarot

Sprightly delicate creatures dance upon branches, while festooned women celebrate around an unusual tree sprouting geometric boxes. Animals from both this earth and an otherworldly one dot the enchanting landscape of the Paulina Tarot as do characters bedecked with colorful early Mardi Gras, Victorian-influenced costumes.

Reflecting artist Paulina Cassidy’s affinity for the city of New Orleans, the Paulina Tarot reflects Rider-Waite-Smith structure, yet imparts a fresh, lighthearted perspective to the cards.

Delightfully detailed and gracefully rendered, the artistry of this deck invites users to come along for a magical ride that, while whimsical, captures the everyday situations, emotions and dilemmas faced in the ordinary world.

I've found the Paulina Tarot to be a playful deck, while still speaking to the inner world (and issues) that often brings us to do readings in the first place (especially when it comes to reminding me not to work so hard and expect so much of myself!).

I love working with the Paulina Tarot especially for personal readings and journaling! With intricate line work, fanciful characters, and muted watercolors, this deck pleases the eye and lifts the spirits. But, truly, it's not just a "pretty" deck; the Paulina deck imparts illuminating wisdom, emotional comfort and pointed answers for those who go beyond its lovely surface.

-- Janet Boyer, The Tarot Channel

This deck is full of stunning detail with black outlines and dreamy water coloured pallet. Even though the art is done this way it is not at all washed out and it is full of vibrant colour. The back features two birds on a cream background, which is classic and feminine.

It showcases many little creatures of the night, quiet gothic looking people and central figures, fae, fairy tale characters and pretty much anything else from a gifted imagination. This deck has a gothic like theme, which will definitely find an audience with young adults, as it is still quiet romantic and not too dark. It has some splashes of Tim Burton and Dr Seuss hidden within her artwork, but it does not take away from her creation at all.

The artist and author of the booklet actually set out to create a Tarot Deck allowing the symbolism to draw her in, this incredibly detailed piece of work took her over a year and a half to complete.

The Paulina Tarot is elegant, detailed and full of stunning imaginative artwork and I highly recommend it.

-- Ethony Tarot Blogspot

The Paulina Tarot was created by Paulina Cassidy, a talented artist who created these cards based on her own personal imagery and vision. This deck does not contain traditional imagery, though the basic narratives of most of the cards are similar to the Rider-Waite deck but Cassidy adds her own elements, such as a frequent use of keys, eggs, and flowing, natural imagery like branches and stars. The overall feeling is one of whimsy and play, but there is much more to this deck than it might seem at first.

These images contain levels of mystery and darkness, which doesn’t come through immediately or if you just look at a few images. For example, here is the High Priestess, my go-to card when I buy a new deck:

Note here the ways that this card is traditional (the pomegranate, the moon, the idea of a veil or curtain), but look at what Cassidy adds here -- with her High Priestess, the veil is actually within the priestesses body. When the veil is peeled back, you don’t get her body, but eyes in darkness, a scroll, and the pomegranate. By putting these “mysteries” inside her body, Cassidy deepens the symbolism here -- this high priestess embodies mystery in a very physical way in this card, not just as a static figure but in her body as well as in the things she carries.

In this deck, unlike many I’ve seen, Cassidy does a fantastic job with the Court Cards, which are not only hard to read sometimes, but also hard to give personality. Like the Major Arcana, the court cards can seem a bit static–they don’t really have a story and represent types of people or emotional states. Cassidy, though, makes each court card unique and fills them with personality and intent. Just take a look at the Knight of Swords, who just screams craftiness, intelligence, and danger.

Overall, this deck is lovely, layered, and contains surprising depth which might not be evident if you focus on the swirling, playful surface. I highly recommend this beautiful deck.

-- Letitia, IntegrativeTarot.com

Where can I start? I have been watching this Tarot develop on the artist’s website for the past few years. Now I hold the finished product in my hand. This is a masterpiece as far as Tarot decks go. It takes the traditional images to a new and very, very, detailed level that should your tastes favor this interpretation, you will find a new favorite.

In the endless Rider Waite clones that get stamped out each year, Paulina Tarot rises above the herd. I generally prefer a very boldly colored deck for easier interpretation. It is true, the colors are subtle and easy on the eye. Yet, they are no less vivid. I adore the delicate lines and layers of every card. This is not my first deck, and will not be my last. I collect decks, most are locked away as art decks. This one is very useable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Your clients get a visual treat, as well as very accurate advice.

Whimsical, dreamy and nostalgic, I cannot stop singing the praises of this labor of love. I followed Paulina's plight in New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina. Indeed, the frailty of life is reflected in this deck. It will remain near & dear to my heart! If you feel there are too many decks published annually, treat yourself to this one. It is the new pinnacle as far as other Tarots are concerned. Good luck topping this one.

-- Richard K. Kostoff, Amazon customer

The Paulina Tarot is a unique and charming approach to Tarot imagery, with a slyly engaging spin on the cards that visually and thematically owes very little to either the RWS or Crowley canon. Cassidy sinks her taproot into the eerie and lovely realm of the Fey for her creation.

The art reminds one of the elegant "arty" illustrations from the sixties, albeit with a sharply sweet kick. There is also something of the fairy illustrations of the nineteenth century in the endless cascade of detail on each card, which draws one in. Every time one looks at a card one sees something new. A faintly "gothic fairy" feel to the figures with a lot of winks and nudges makes a reading seem a little like a dialogue with eldritch creatures. Even the minutiae is clever, fresh and witty, and the rich yet subdued palate is seductive. There are lots of odd creatures skittering through the cards, all of them engaging without being cloying, even when they are genuinely spooky.

The deck reads beautifully, enabling one to focus on difficult issues with a gentle touch. While not to every taste, for readings or contemplation the Paulina Tarot can be a delightfully unique and endlessly rewarding ramble through a refreshingly non-saccharine fairyland.

-- Thalassa, Bay Area Tarot Symposium

The Paulina Tarot deck just pulled me to it. The artwork is full of whimsy and soft, soothing colors. Each time I look at the cards I find something I missed the time before. These cards are so easy to read and I'm thrilled to have a deck. I would recommend these to everyone. Readers who are just getting started will find these are a very good beginning deck. Experienced readers will enjoy finding new symbols with each new reading. I love this deck.

-- Vanessa G. Coffey, Amazon customer

The Paulina Tarot is a beautiful tarot deck -- it has a dreamlike quality that really connects with your intuition and spirit. I have had this deck for about a month now, and it is truly one of my favorites in my growing collection. I have used it many times, and get very powerful and accurate sessions. This is one of those rare tarot decks which has not only fabulous art, but also much symbolism and detail that really contribute to strong readings.

I love the Queen of Wands in this deck, especially! What a fabulous conception -- the cat is huge and very mystical looking, next to the queen. The two of pentacles reminds me of one of Chagall's circus riders. The Star is especially lovely too. I love this deck!

Graham Cameron invites us to the stage of is Phantasmagoric Theater, the stage of life. There's a script, we all know it and follow it to the best of our abilities but sometimes we forget a line, we loose our context. To reconnect to the original script we have this beautiful and somewhat eerie deck of tarots to help us on the way.

While I don't particularly agree with the theory of predestination I do enjoy the metaphor of life as a stage where we perform a "play" of sorts. I enjoy the image of every human as an actor, or artist creating her/his own piece of art in living. Lets not forget that the root of tarot is in a game. Which, at least in my view, doesn't take away from the depth and guidance one can find in its symbology but adds to it. For if life is a game, a play, a curtain of shades as Plato would have argued, what better way to figure out the rules is there but to play?

What has Plato got to do with tarot you may wonder? Very little I suppose, but the again maybe very much indeed. To Plato the material world was an illusion, a flawed and unbalanced image of to unchangeable ideas that waits behind the veil of good, beauty and whatever. The point is what you see, what you can touch isn't real (which corresponds with the Buddhist concept of maya), it's a phantasma. "Something apparently seen but having no physical reality; a phantom or an apparition" (dictionary.com). And here we return to possible meanings of the word phantasmagoric, and as a result, a help in interpreting this particular deck of cards.

This was all to give you a background and a spiritual depth to a deck that could be mistaken for childish and naive, and in turned believed to be of less significance then a more "mature" deck because of the style of the artwork. Of course, it is childish and possibly even naive. It chooses a view of the world that's playful and innocent. In many ways, it's a new perspective to life in general and spirituality in particular which I find very refreshing and sound.

The deck in itself is loosely based on the symbolism of the classic Rider Waite deck but with a fresh and personal touch. The artwork is a very modern cartoon style, which I find very appealing. The High Priest has been renamed Grand Master which I think is supposed to correspond more to the spiritual side of the priest instead of the material power (the pope etc) it might allude to otherwise. The four suits are, as usual, swords, wands, cups and (the more traditional) coins. Every suit is accompanied by a special setting. Swords play in the labyrinth, wands at the circus, cups in the desert and coins in a small city. Every card is followed by a short story about the person seen on the card her/his name, what they've accomplished, what they want, where they're going etc.

Sometimes the meanings of the cards correspond with the traditional meaning, but more often the artist of this deck takes his own path. I find it easy to follow his lead and interpret his symbols, anyone who's studied tarot and has mastered the art of interpreting the symbology of this instrument by her/himself should be able to penetrate the symbols of this deck very easily.

I enjoy the depiction of two of cups as a love that is mutual and based un unity but is unhealthy in the way that it's completely shut of from the outside world. The meaning of the Judgement card is given a more modern view as it shows it as the great, big party, as do death seem to dance like life depended on it rendering a positive and affirmative dimension to the issue of "change". I think that the image of the chariot as a flying saucer led by sea horses as both charmingly whimsical and an insightful take on the marriage between sky and ocean, intellect and soul.

I have, and will continue too, enjoy this deck immensely and hope that other will find joy in it as well. It is a very unique piece though and I supposed it appeals to only a handful of people. To those who find the imagery compelling though I highly recommend it!

—EvelinaLundmark, Aeclectic Tarot

The Phantasmagoric Theatre tarot encourages us to think of our lives as a stage play. We are all actors, and the scenes have been carefully designed before we enter, stage left. However, as in real theatre, sometimes things don't go right: we flub our lines, we don't like our costumes, or the lights malfunction. These things very subtly change the play itself and can even change the very outcome. However, as Mr. Cameron suggests, "as a tarot reader, however, you can connect yourself through a psychic process back to the original script, and become informed of deviations you may have made to the performance that is your life, helping you to avoid any unnecessary disasters."

Mr. Cameron has produced an astonishing tarot deck as laden with heavy symbolism as any tarot I've yet worked with. Dice, question marks and puzzle pieces can be found in most (if not all) of his cards, and each has a special significance for him. Dice represent entropy or chance in our lives: we may WANT the roll of the dice to turn out a certain way, but often they don't. Like puzzle pieces, we are all interconnected and interlocked to each other in complicated matters. As far as questions, well, I certainly don't have many of mine answered, tarot cards or not!!

The characters in the deck hover in an odd realm somewhere between childlike and sinister. Many look like dolls with button eyes and happy smiles. Some are glowering in a powerful "I know something you DON'T..." sort of way that is almost eerie. When pressed to describe this deck, I often say it resembles something of a cross between the Beatles "Yellow Submarine" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas". Still, this analogy doesn't do the deck justice-there is far, far much more to see.

Many of the cards are modeled after what may be the most well known tarot deck, the Rider-Waite. Since most people start with the Rider-Waite (it's the deck most books use to illustrate the tarot) this will certainly help the reader gain fluency with these cards. However, be aware that the resemblance quickly stops-this is not like any other deck you are likely to run into. Two very short examples of how these cards are different are the card of the Grand Master, a sort of levitating, psychedelic visionary that stands in the place of the card of the Hierophant in most other decks, and the Ace of Cups, which is something of a coffee mug.

—“Chess Heart”, Amazon reader

In my experience, every tarot reader has one or two decks that especially resonate for them and help them to see things they might otherwise miss. I often use the dear old Rider Waite Tarot while giving readings on Keen because most people are familiar with this deck. However, my personal favorite is the Phantasmagoric Theater Tarot. I love this deck because it's colorful, quirky, and full of surprises.

There are so many unusual elements in this fantasy/circus themed deck that it helps me retrieve details I can't see with my other decks. Maybe this is partially due to the modern flavor of the Phantasmagoric Theater. For instance, the Four of Swords depicts a man relaxing in his easy chair, which is chained to the wall in front of the TV. And just look at The Lovers card. They came into the room through separate doors, reflecting their individual lives, rolled the dice to the number six (a perfect match!) and now they're sharing the same space in perfect, childlike trust. The Lovers can choose to exit by the doors they used to enter, or go outside together; and either way is okay. The puzzle piece in the corner represents the mystery and spice of the unknown that keeps love fresh.

If you're interested in the tarot, I encourage you to look around, experiment with lots of decks, until you find the deck that best speaks to you and reflects your personality and reading style. It took me several years to find the one that suited me best, and while I was searching I learned something new and wonderful from each deck I bought and tried out.

Comprised of illustrations from the Rider-Waite tarot and “The Green Sheaf”, this 36-card petit Lenormand pays homage to Pamela Colman Smith. It is fundamentally a series of collages pieced together from Smith’s artwork. The pieces of the Rider-Waite cards add layers of meaning to the simple Lenormand images. On the surface it’s a series of images which trigger intuitive information in the reader. For those who are familiar with Smith’s work, each card is a little mystery to be solved and built upon. Fun, thought-provoking, and already a sensation on the web, this small deck in its metal container is a treat for beginners and seasoned diviners alike.

—Anna, Tarotwise.com

My go to tarot deck has always been The Rider Waite Smith. When I first got into Lenormand ,I paid a high price on Ebay for Edmund Zebrowskis self published Pixies Astounding Lenormand. I didn't use it much because it cost so much. When I heard US Games published it, I had to have it. The artwork is taken from The Rider tarot and The Golden Vanity. The LWB is great. It's actually a bit more than most would call a LWB. It explains each card, it's energy and where in her artwork it was taken from. It's great for beginners and experienced Readers. Now I can put the self published one up just to look at. Also it comes in a little metal box, which I love.

—Dawn Donivan, Amazon customer

Pamela Coleman Smith affectionately known as Pixie is without doubt the most influential illustrator of tarot decks. Ever. Her idiosyncratic illustrations of the Minor Arcana in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (as it is now commonly referred to) single-handedly revolutionized the tarot, and ushered in the age of the fully illustrated 78 card deck. During her lifetime Pixie did not illustrate any other divination decks beside the Rider-Waite-Smith; Lenormand was not, at the time, particularly popular nor was it (or is it) considered to be the repository of esoteric, occult, and magical knowledge that tarot is. Currently interest in Lenormand and other non-tarot divination decks is on the rise. Edmond Zebrowski has taken elements from the Rider-Waite-smith deck as well as other illustrations by Pamela Coleman Smith and fused them into a charming Lenormand deck.

Pixie's Astounding Lenormand is a standard 36 card deck with no extras. It comes packaged in a small metal tin, with liftoff lid, painted with scenes from the deck, roses, and publisher information. The deck is accompanied by a small 129-page guidebook. Being a product of U.S. Games Systems the quality of the cards is virtually guaranteed. The cards are quite small, 57 x 89mm, as befitting traditional Lenormand decks, and very easy to handle. The card stock is excellent – firm and quite flexible, but not flimsy. The finish is low sheen and smooth with out being slippery – the cards do not stick together or clump, but have an easy flow when shuffled.

The print quality is excellent – the images are clearly defined with crisp, clean lines and true colours. The palette is a direct reflection of PCS’s original colour scheme which is restrained and elegant – pale blues and greens, powdery teal, buttery yellow, sandy tan, burgundy, blood red, and faded slate predominate.

The illustrations themselves are faithful reproductions of Pamela Coleman Smith’s lovely, old-fashioned images... Edmond Zebrowski has taken many of the minor players and mis-en-scene from the RWS deck and re-focused our attention on them by placing them as central images. Not only has the artist successfully pastiched or collaged elements of Pixie’s illustrations but the tiniest details such as her chiaroscuro techniques have been retained. The print on the back of the deck, a single rose on a blue background, is not reversible.

The guidebook although small is full of information that is helpful to both the novice and experienced user. The Introduction explains the origins of the deck, as well as a few tips on how to read the cards. Each card is given 8 points of information:

Card Energy – whether the card is positive, negative, or neutral. Keywords – fundamental descriptors of the card’s characteristics. Full Meaning – a detailed explanation of the card’s divinatory meaning. Love – an interpretation for a 'Love 'reading. Career – and interpretation for a 'Career 'reading. Characteristics/Qualities – how a card may describe a person in a reading. Timing – when something will occur. Image Origins – explains the sources of the images, how they were adapted from PCS's original works.

If you are a fan of Pamela Coleman Smith or the Rider Waite Smith deck then this Lenormand is a must have. It is a beautiful deck for both novice and adept alike… And would be especially helpful for a novice Lenormand user who has experience reading the RWS tarot. This is a fabulous homage to Pamela Coleman Smith and an absolutely delightful Lenormand deck.

The Symbolon deck is a pictorial representation of the twelve astrological archetypes and their relationships, all depicted as persons. Their content is based on hundreds of therapeutic sessions with patients and draws from fairy tales, mythology, religion and common archetypes.

You should consider the symbolon deck as a blueprint of the author's complete therapeutic knowledge.

It can be used to clarify astrological constellations, but the authors developed a set of twelve spreads to be used seperately from astrology. Ingrid Zinnel even defined meanings for them as "card of the day", with self-empowering statements.

The artist did an outstanding job. No other deck has these amount of breathtaking images.

—Patricia Swinkels, Amazon customer

I love this strange, weird and exquisite deck. I have over a 100 Tarot and Oracles and this is the most unusual one I have come across. The artwork is some of the most stunning out there. such little details done with precision and vibrancy. I can only hope the artist one day decides on doing a Tarot deck. The colors are amazing, this is high-quality printing. There are 78 cards and they are are 3x5 and very easy to shuffle and handle. It's a very substantial and top-notch production in every aspect.

It also has many more uses than the creators very limited ideas of how to use these cards. This is one of the few decks that shows the whole spectrum...from very very dark/frightening to blissfully happy....and everything in between. So many of the images come from myths, folktales and fairytales....it's bursting with archetypes. Many cards are so reminiscent of Tarot images (minors and majors). But it's not a Tarot at all and it's uses run the gamut from inner shadow work, persona/mask identification, relationship issues, storytelling, divination, self-growth, inspiration, creative writing prompts, spiritual pathworking/exploration and self-actualization. As you can see this deck's range is broad and many layered. The sky is the limit as to how this deck may be used. The images evoke some very strong reactions and can set your exploration and imagination off in many directions. You will find this is a deck you reach for again and again.

If just for the exquisite and sublime art in these cards this deck is worth owning, but it delivers so much more. Get it yourself and awaken the muse within.

—Rashchupkina, Amazon customer

This is a 78-card deck that is difficult to categorize. It is definitely not Tarot. It is also not a divination system. Perhaps the designer's explanation describes it best:

"Symbolon is a game of remembrance. It allows us to remember things hidden deep inside which have been prevented from surfacing over years and decades.

For those who prefer a psychological approach, you might say the power inherent in the images helps raise the unconscious into the higher levels of consciousness."

The deck is based heavily on Astrology, but you can use this deck with or without the Astrological information. In my opinion, an understanding of astrology will make this deck much more enjoyable to use. Each card has either two or four astrological symbols. Those with two have a planet and a zodiac sign, those with four have two of each and are used as combinations. For example, someone with Moon in Capricorn would indicate this combination with the card that shows a combination of Moon (Cancer) and Capricorn (Saturn), which equates to "The Ice Queen." Other aspects from the horoscope are represented in the same manner. Obviously some familiarity with your chart will allow you to lay out cards to represent each aspect, giving you a symbolic representation of the chart.

The art in this deck is excellent. The scenes are detailed and the colors are gorgeous. The astrological glyphs are in metallic gold ink as is the border on each card. I can only hope that the artists will one day decide to do a traditional Tarot deck. There is a card for each sign of the zodiac, which shows the sign and the planet. Two cards are given for the planets, which do double duty: Venus (Taurus and Libra), and Mercury (Gemini and Virgo). The authors give an explanation for this departure from the norm, which they know will upset many astrologers. Although astrology plays a large role in this deck, the authors emphasize that the cards represent "inner personae", not just astrological aspects. To quote again: "Each of us has a 'MEDIATOR' - a Gemini-Mercury - responsible for communication and contact (and for acting out roles)." This allows for using cards that are not indicated on your chart and makes allowances for those who do not have any previous knowledge of astrology. The cards which represent the twelve signs of the zodiac loosely correspond to the Major Arcana in a Tarot deck in that they "..describe the individual personae as a pure archetype." The remaining combination cards represent "..the great realms of human existence which may combine at any time to form inner personae..." The scenes on the cards are quite evocative and cover a gamut from vampires to religious imagery. Some of the scenes are very similar to cards from the Tarot.

The little booklet that comes with the deck describes two methods for use, one for those who know astrology and one for those who do not. A list of planet/sign correspondences is given for those who need it. The booklet states that there are three ways of interpreting a card - as "the problem," as "the way through the problem" or as "the outcome." The interpretations for each card are divided into these three categories. A "Theme Summary," which is basically a short list of key words, is also given for each card. Finally, black and white photos of each card are shown with the corresponding page for their interpretation. This is useful for those who are unfamiliar with the astrological glyphs, as it allows them a means to determine which card is which. Numbering the cards would have been simpler in my opinion and, in fact I recommend that those not familiar with astrology number the cards and the interpretations in the book anyway. It will save a lot of time in the long run. Those familiar with astrology will find that the interpretations are laid out in a logical sequence starting with the twelve zodiac cards, followed by the Moon and Sun cards, followed by the cards for the signs in order. I recommend this deck for anyone familiar with astrology who likes working with cards. The art is stunning and makes this deck a pleasure to work with. Astrologers tend to have their own interpretations for aspects and the scenes on these cards will not be in agreement with everyone's interpretations, but I think the scenes that one doesn't agree with may give food for thought, or shed new light on an aspect or sign.

The new Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot is the latest offering in a long line of historically accurate decks from Stuart R. Kaplan based upon the illustrations of Pamela Colman Smith. For this very pretty new deck, the artist VirginijusPoshkus was selected to re-color the drawings.

To describe the colouring of these cards as radiant is not an overstatement, as they are indeed shining and glowing, brilliant and luminous, and truly beaming with happiness. The cards have a clean, white border all around the images, with the numbers on the top in Roman numerals for the Major Arcana and spelled out in capital letters on the Minors. The titles and suits are in capital letters, in the same very pleasant typeface, also centered on the bottom of the cards.

The cards themselves have a nice feel, as they are printed on good cardstock, and are plastic-coated and durable. They are easy to handle and shuffle, being sized at 2 3/4" by 4 3/4" overall. The packaging is in a standard size box, printed in complimentary hues of orange and blue to highlight the radiant color values of the cards within, and featuring the Fool and Magician cards from inside. The instructions are familiar, featuring an introduction by Stuart R. Kaplan, and follow the standard format used for all decks from U.S. Games in the Rider-Waite tradition, which is both helpful and convenient for every purchaser of these cards. I was very pleased to be able to add the new Radiant Rider-Waite to my personal collection. VirginijusPoshkus has done an excellent job of radiantly re-coloring the images, which will make them easy to read and use for beginners and the advanced student, and they should soon prove to be a favorite of collectors worldwide.

—Peter Cowen, Aeclectic Tarot

Some people may feel that an "update" to a deck is unnecessary, that too many versions of the same thing amounts to overkill. I often find that new versions do have something to offer, and that this is the case with the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot.

In the original version of this deck, there is an emphasis on the black outlining of the art, which to me takes away the ability to connect with the cards. The standard Rider-Waite was my first deck, and was almost immediately supplanted by the Morgan-Greer deck, a Rider-Waite clone that I could connect with much more easily.

The Radiant Rider-Waite, had it been my first deck, would have been the deck that I stayed with for professional readings. I like the fact that the intense black lines have been discarded, and the crisp white border with the card number at the top and the title at the bottom. The back of the cards, carrying the image of a starry sky, is also far preferable to the diamond pattern of the standard Rider-Waite deck.

The coloring is much more intense, with more of an orange overtone to the yellows. In some instances (the Fool, for example) there appears to be an aura of light around the figure(s) in the card. You really have to look for this, and I do not feel that it takes away from the ability to use this deck at all.

The Empress ends up with more of an orange sky behind her, but the plant life is distinctly green, rather than the yellowish tone carried by the standard deck. The deletion of the black lines does seem to have affected the facial expressions on the figures in the cards - bringing them out, making them more evident.

The rather gray background of the Hermit becomes an intense blue, which I feel adds rather than detracts from the card. The same holds for the intensifying of the color for the veil behind the figure of Justice. The sun over the mountain behind the figure of Temperance now holds the image of triple crown, which does seem to belong there. The Moon is another card that distinctly benefits from the increased intensity of the coloring of the sky.

The stained glass window behind the figure in the Four of Swords becomes much more of a point of focus, and the little salamander in front of the seated King of Wands has his fifteen seconds of fame.

I find the Radiant Tarot to be a deck well worth adding to my collection, as well as one to offer as a choice of decks for my clients.

— Bonnie Cehovet, Aeclectic Tarot

This deck has a close resemblance to another Rider-Waite clone which was also recolorized -- The Universal Waite recolorized by Mary Hanson-Roberts. The Radiant deck, however, features shades that are richer, deeper, and bolder than the softer pastel hues of the Universal Waite version.

I would recommend the Radiant Rider Tarot to anyone who wants to stay with traditional Tarot, but who finds the colors of the traditional Rider-Waite to be too bland or boring for their personal taste. Many have disliked the original Rider-Waite deck as being boring or uninspiring, while others don't mind at all. But now there is another choice to help make tradition more fun, enjoyable, and inspiring.

The Radiant Rider takes the familiar and comforting images of the traditional Rider cards and brings them to life with "radiance." The recolorization serves to illuminate Pamela Colman Smith's original work. If you're not in the mood for the traditional Rider-Waite, which may seem too "plain," or you find that you're also not in the mood for the softer colors of the Universal Waite deck . . . then the bolder colors in the Radiant version may be just what you're looking for.

Just as with the Universal version of these traditional cards, this deck presents itself in a whole new light . . . and so, if you've been one to stay away from the traditional Rider-Waite deck due to the coloring used, the Radiant Rider is a good reason to take another look from a fresh perspective.

I know I personally enjoy working with traditional Tarot, even though I also find it fun to venture out with something new quite often. But the traditional Rider Waite

is how it all started for me . . . and with the Radiant deck now available, it's among my favorites and is favored by many of my clientele in the professional readings I do.

It's just a bright, more colorful . . . and more illuminating experience to read with this traditional deck, which has been updated for modern times.

This book was published to accompany the author's "Renaissance Tarot" deck. But whereas most companion books confine themselves to the deck they are sold with, perhaps folding in generic tarot-reading instructions, this book explores the origins and symbolism of the tarot with such depth that it is an important stand-alone tarot book.

Moving beyond recycled speculation about gypsies, Egyptian mystery cults, and other such exotica, this book goes directly to the source: the culture of Renaissance Italy, which produced the first tarot decks. Williams does not attempt to deliver the definitive "truth" about what the original tarot designers may have had in mind, but he does collect an extraordinary array of "tarot parallels" in art, literature, philosophy, mythology, and folk culture. What emerges is a picture of the enduring archetypal nature of the each of the tarot symbols. Williams shows how deeply embedded these images are in our culture, and how ubiquitous and familiar they were to people in 15th century Europe.

The text is supported by hundreds of attractive line drawings, made by the author to illustrate the historic works of art referenced in the text. The book thus becomes a guided tour back in time to the culture that produced the first tarot decks, imbued with the author's personal vision and yet faithful to the facts at every turn. There are few books available to give the student a trustworthy and useable account of the meaning of the tarot symbols in their original context. This is one of the best. Also included are brief descriptions of the cards in the Renaissance Tarot deck, along with divinatory meanings and some instruction on reading the cards. The book's greatest value, however, is in illustrating where the tarot comes from, and deepening and enriching the reader's understanding of the ancient symbols. Even if you don't use the Renaissance Tarot deck, this book will give you many wonderful insights about the tarot and bring you into a deeper relationship with the cards of your own deck. Highly recommended.

—Tom Waters, Amazon customer

The journey that is the Renaissance Tarot spanned a period of ten years - the results show the care, thought and nurturing that was taken every step of the way. Brian Williams had a life long interest in both classical and Renaissance art, which he has translated nicely into the Renaissance Tarot. After spending a year in studies at the University of Padua in Italy. Brian took the illustrations and theory that would become the Renaissance Tarot and used them as the basis for an independent thesis and project at the University of California at Berkeley.

One of the themes that run through this book and deck is the place that Tarot held in European culture. Brian's stated purpose with the accompanying book is to provide a complete guide to the cards, their meanings and their uses. He also goes into the historical significance of each of the cards, which is not something that I have seen done elsewhere. Each card, including the minors, has a bit of myth in it that explains the archetypal qualities of the card, For example, the Ten of Swords is the myth of Paris and Achilles, while the Chariot is the myth of Aphrodite and Ares.

Throughout the accompanying book there are a wealth of black and white illustrations from the Renaissance period. At one point we see the game of Tarot being played (as taken from a mid-fifteenth century fresco in the Sala dei Giochi in the Casa Borromeo in Milan. At another point we see a manuscript illumination of Mars (the God) from the fifteenth century. At yet another point we see an engraving of a Satyr family by Durer from 1505. The list is endless - and fascinating.

With each of the majors we are treated to a wonderful description of the card, quite an involved background into the archetypal myth, and incredible illustrations, as well as divinatory and reversed meanings. With the court cards and the minors we see a description of the card, an abbreviated version of the myth behind it, as well as divinatory and reversed meanings. Each section contains a black and white scan of the card.

At the end of the book Brian presents a section on Tarot spreads, including the Celtic Cross, Tetrasky (also known as the Pythagorean Tetrad) and the Twelve Houses spreads. An interesting aside on the Twelve Houses spread is that it is presented in a square format (referred to as a quadrilateral design), rather than the usual circular format.

The cards themselves are 2 3/4" by 5", on glossy card stock. The backs have a 1/4" white border, with a bisque colored center containing intricate work using triple circles resembling Celtic Knots, upon which reside the medieval symbols for the elements in the four corners, with four corresponding animals floating within them. A male and female figure recline in the center, with their hands held. The almost blandness of the backs acts as a kind of foil for the wonderfully rich colors of the card faces. Again we see the use of a 1/4" white border, followed by a 1/4" gold inner border. The top two corners of each of the cards contain figures (some animal, some human, some symbols) that are there for ornamental purposes only. The title for each card is across the bottom, in both Italian and English.

The overall coloring is a well-done pastel, with the figures dressed, for the most part, in Renaissance fashion. The pips make basic use of the suit symbol, with animal and human figures added to them that are not integral to the understanding of the cards. Each suit has its own color: yellow for Swords, pink for Cups, green for Pentacles and blue for Staves.

There are two small changes in the titling of the Major Arcana: the Wheel of Fortune becomes Chance and Judgment becomes the Angel. Each time I return to this deck I find something new to intrigue me. The accompanying book has lessons of its own to give. I highly recommend this deck to all students at all levels of study.

This is one of the most beautiful decks you are likely to find. The Major Arcana are detailed etchings, delicately colored and bordered in gold.

A casual look might make one think that this is a "period" deck, differing from other tarots mainly in the lavish Renaissance costumes shown on the cards. However, it is much more. The artist is a student of art history, in particular the Italian Renaissance, in which the very first tarot decks were produced. This deck captures something of the spirit of those original tarots, in which the Major Arcana were presented as classic, allegorical designs. We've become accustomed to tarot designs laden with 19th-century occult symbolism; this deck offers a refreshing taste of a different kind of tarot, one whose message is open to anyone with imagination and an appreciation of the language of art.

There are many references to Greek and Roman mythology in these cards, as well as medieval folklore and philosophy. So there is a lot of symbolic richness here, although it draws from somewhat different sources than many other decks. For this reason, it is a good idea to buy this deck along with the book, which explains the cultural context of the imagery in great detail, with lots of illustrations from art history.

I have found this to be a reliable and often stunningly powerful reading deck. Perhaps because the artist has studied so many centuries of western art with an eye for recognizing the tarot archetypes wherever they appear, these cards seem to capture the essential ingredients of the human condition with force and clarity. The suit cards in this deck require a little extra effort, however, being more reserved in dramatic content than those in many other decks.

This is a beautiful, powerful deck. Because its inspiration comes from the early Italian tarot tradition, rather than the occult systems of more recent times, I strongly recommend it be purchased along with the companion book, rather than trying to use it with concepts meant for a different sort of deck.

I love the colors and symbols of this deck. When I first saw it I was amazed by the details of this lovely deck. The quality of the drawing and the evocative imagery made me want to use it as my primary deck. I have received many strong readings with this deck, and the questioners are happy afterward. Mr. Williams has a special way of drawing the male and female figure to capture the animus of their spirit. The archetypes are strongly engrained in our collective psyche and the words easily flow from the tableau.

— Brad Bernstein-Reppen, Amazon customer

This is one of those decks where scanned images just can't do justice for the cards! The cards on the Renaissance Tarot are embellished with a gold foil-like coloring in the images that make them shiny and really stand out. The cards are gorgeous!

The Major Arcana cards of this deck portray figures adorned in elaborate costumes and are titled in both the Italian and English languages. The author's intention for this deck was make it both traditional and original, which he indicates can be an artistic challenge to depict traditional truths in a fresh style.

The pip cards of this deck remind me of a Marseille-styled deck, featuring the number of suit symbols that correspond to the number of that card. I would have loved seeing full-color scenes like the Majors portray, but the deck is still beautiful nevertheless.

—Velvet Angel, Tarot Wisdom Readings

Delicately illustrated, with gold embellishments, Brian Williams’ artistry gently hints at illuminated manuscripts while it conveys the power of the tarot symbolism contained within the traditional 78-card deck. Relying on classical mythology and four of the great Italian Renaissance cities, he has made the tarot his own. The characters display uncharacteristic emotion and, sometimes unfettered sexually, to convey the essence of the tarot wisdom.

Ultimately, in this deck, it is the eyes which tell the story. Whether they peer out from the face atop The Tower, from the skeleton in Death, or from the leaves on the flower held by The Priestess, the eyes say it all.

It doesn’t matter if you are new to the tarot or a long-term afficionado, this deck will provide many hours of questioning and pondering. It is sad that Brian Williams will not be able to take us further on the journey he has so elegantly begun.His passing was truly a loss to the world of tarot.